2011 Bears Offseason thread

[jersey cubs fan]

Goony's right. They improved at C but that's all they did on the OL in free agency and that's just not enough. They went after Colon who was the right target but they shouldn't have ignored the OL when they missed out on him.

 

Angelo has been so schizo with the way he runs the line. His first ever draft pick was a tackle. Disappointing to some but arguably the right move (even though the actual player never panned out). Then he ignored linemen in the draft for half a decade but kept signing old guys to fairly big offers, which worked in 1-2 year spurts. Now he's spent 2 #1 picks in 4 years on tackles and spent a fair amount on intermediate type free agents prior to this offseason. This year, with half the league being free agents and no big money guys left working on the line, he only replaces one expensive free agent with a less expensive free agent.

 

If you aren't going to spend money on the line and only rely on your internal players, then spend something on a real #1 receiver to help your QB (especially when you trade away such a big time target in Olsen). The only net upgrade to offense appears to be at backup running back. So, if you aren't going to focus on your disappointing offense, go get a big time pass rusher or tackle to boost your defensive line play, purportedly the key to your scheme. If you aren't going to do that, then upgrade your secondary.

 

The Bears have done nothing. They've moderately upgraded backup RB and punter. They replaced their somewhat disappointing but still productive pass catching TE with a really disappointing receiver and they've acquired nothing but gambles on defense. How is this team any better? By most accounts Chicago was fairly lucky to finish with 11 wins last year. They made it to the NFC championship game but were embarrassed there at home. They've been 34-30 over the past four years, 18-14 in the Cutler era. They need to get better, but they haven't, and the problem with that is both the aging core of the defense which can easily fall apart in a hurry, and the need to succeed early in the Cutler era before the push to replace him and start again at the QB position becomes too big to ignore.

[jersey cubs fan]

1) Chris Williams is settling into his G position and while won't be a pro bowl caliber OL, he will be a consistent starter from here on out.

2) I believe Gabe Carimi will be able to start and hold his own from day 1. Not saying he's going to be spectacular on day 1, but he won't have the wild inconsistency issues that Williams had.

3) Webb is a legit prospect, and again, won't be a superstar, but will be improved on last year and eventually a solid piece.

 

Chris Williams will need to be resigned this year if that is the case, which means they are going to be paying significantly more for mediocrity. Webb signed a cheap 4-year contract, but if he starts for 1.5 straight years, there's no way he goes into year 3 at the rate he's making. 2011 is probably the worst year ever to be relying on a rookie to have an immediate stable impact, unless you are talking about something like a dominant defensive lineman or talented RB.

[Guest]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

[cubweiser03]

I really like the Amobe signing, he should fit this defense really well (i wanted him when he came out of college so i am a bit biased). Gholston is a good pickup too, he didnt do anything at NYJ but that's probably related more to the scheme, he can play left or right end. I still want them to get another guard and now make a play for Asante.

 

Im interested to hear how Carimi performs at camp.

[Banedon]

Here's a good analysis of where the O-line stands currently...

 

http://www.csnchicago.com/08/01/11/O-line-Biggest-question-mark-takes-cente/landing_insider_mullin_loud3r.html?blockID=545127&feedID=9399

[UMFan83]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

 

Most people think the score was a lot closer than the game was because Rodgers was intercepted by Urlacher in the end zone, and I think 2 different times the Packers opted to punt from at or inside the Bears 40. And then another interception before halftime that was on the Bears side of the field.

 

That said, the defense really did a good job on Rodgers after the 1st quarter, and if the Bears hadn't waited 2.5 quarters to mount an offense, and/or if Hanie didn't throw one right at Raji, we could have won that game. I mean jeez, the fact that we were 30 yards away from tying the game with 2 minutes left despite a ton of stuff going wrong for us including having to play most of the 2nd half and make up a 14 point defecit with our 3rd string QB, says a lot.

[jersey cubs fan]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

 

They were down 14-0 early and for most of the game, as soon as they made it somewhat interesting they were down by 14 points again.

[UMFan83]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

 

They were down 14-0 early and for most of the game, as soon as they made it somewhat interesting they were down by 14 points again.

 

And then were down by 7 with 3 minutes left and a first down inside the 30...oh wait nevermind Lovie called a TO and then Martz called a WR screen on 3rd and 1.

[jersey cubs fan]

I really like the Amobe signing, he should fit this defense really well (i wanted him when he came out of college so i am a bit biased). Gholston is a good pickup too, he didnt do anything at NYJ but that's probably related more to the scheme, he can play left or right end. I still want them to get another guard and now make a play for Asante.

 

Im interested to hear how Carimi performs at camp.

 

Gholston is a good pickup, in theory. It makes sense that a disappointing OLB from a 3-4 could do better as a straight up end in a 4-3 scheme. But if that was the case, he would have showed something as a pass rusher with the Jets. And he showed nothing. Marinelli has been given lots of credit as a guy who can get the most out of players. I think that reputation has taken a hit with the Bears but he's going to have to work all his magic to get anything out of Gholston this year..

Edited August 1, 2011 by jersey cubs fan

[Guest]

Can you imagine having gone to the Super Bowl and having Caleb Hanie at QB?

 

I'm not really sure how I would've handled that.

[Banedon]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

 

They were down 14-0 early and for most of the game, as soon as they made it somewhat interesting they were down by 14 points again.

 

And then were down by 7 with 3 minutes left and a first down inside the 30...oh wait nevermind Lovie called a TO and then Martz called a WR screen on 3rd and 1.

 

When I think of an "embarrassing" game, I think of the Patriots game, week 14.

[Guest]

Goony's right. They improved at C but that's all they did on the OL in free agency and that's just not enough. They went after Colon who was the right target but they shouldn't have ignored the OL when they missed out on him.

 

Angelo has been so schizo with the way he runs the line. His first ever draft pick was a tackle. Disappointing to some but arguably the right move (even though the actual player never panned out). Then he ignored linemen in the draft for half a decade but kept signing old guys to fairly big offers, which worked in 1-2 year spurts. Now he's spent 2 #1 picks in 4 years on tackles and spent a fair amount on intermediate type free agents prior to this offseason. This year, with half the league being free agents and no big money guys left working on the line, he only replaces one expensive free agent with a less expensive free agent.

 

It's really bizarre that anyone in the Bears FO can watch game films from 2010 and not look to upgrade the offensive line. Especially when the focus of the passing game is a 7 step drop and a bunch of receivers who are small and need time to create separation from the defender. Because of the inexperience of the two tackles (Carimi and Webb), I expect to see a lot more snaps where the second TE is lining up in the fullback position to prevent Forte and Cutler from being killed by a crazy-eyed pro bowl caliber DE.

 

With this offensive line, I would think the game plan going forward is having Cutler hold the ball for less time rather than longer. Tall receivers that can spread the field with shorter routes and dump passes to the TE or Forte is probably the best way to take pressure off the offensive line. The focus off the offseason should have been big play making receivers that are not afraid to catch passes up the middle and the best available Offensive Linemen.

 

The Bears made the right move in going out and getting a QB who has the potential to be a great QB. However, you can't just throw him out there and expect him to be great unless you give him the protection and the weapons he needs to utilize his strengths.

[Guest]

I really like the Amobe signing, he should fit this defense really well (i wanted him when he came out of college so i am a bit biased). Gholston is a good pickup too, he didnt do anything at NYJ but that's probably related more to the scheme, he can play left or right end. I still want them to get another guard and now make a play for Asante.

 

Im interested to hear how Carimi performs at camp.

 

Gholston is a good pickup, in theory. It makes sense that a disappointing OLB from a 3-4 could do better as a straight up end in a 4-3 scheme. But if that was the case, he would have showed something as a pass rusher with the Jets. And he showed nothing. Marinelli has been given lots of credit as a guy who can get the most out of players. I think that reputation has taken a hit with the Bears but he's going to have to work all his magic to get anything out of Gholston this year..

 

 

I don't think it's all that much of a reach that the correct role/position in the correct system with the right coach could make him a decent guy to have in the rotation. Expecting him to become much more than that is when it gets really unlikely, IMO.

[UMFan83]

They were embarrassed in the NFC Championship game?

 

 

If you mean the fact that our starting QB had a mysterious injury and was ridiculed for his sideline demeanor afterward and the fact that their #2 QB looked awful, sure. In terms of the actual game, embarrassment is a hell of a stretch.

 

They were down 14-0 early and for most of the game, as soon as they made it somewhat interesting they were down by 14 points again.

 

And then were down by 7 with 3 minutes left and a first down inside the 30...oh wait nevermind Lovie called a TO and then Martz called a WR screen on 3rd and 1.

 

On second thought, I change my opinion. Very embarassing.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears made the right move in going out and getting a QB who has the potential to be a great QB. However, you can't just throw him out there and expect him to be great unless you give him the protection and the weapons he needs to utilize his strengths.

 

At least the production and/or the weapons. I'd be willing to accept one or the other. But neither shouldn't be an option, and right now we have neither. The notion that they are going to utilize blocking tight ends with reqularity just means even fewer receivers in the pattern. Makes it even easier on the defense. Great pass rushes won't be stopped by a tight end chipping. Your blocking needs to come from your 5 linemen.

[Banedon]

The Bears made the right move in going out and getting a QB who has the potential to be a great QB. However, you can't just throw him out there and expect him to be great unless you give him the protection and the weapons he needs to utilize his strengths.

 

At least the production and/or the weapons. I'd be willing to accept one or the other. But neither shouldn't be an option, and right now we have neither. The notion that they are going to utilize blocking tight ends with reqularity just means even fewer receivers in the pattern. Makes it even easier on the defense. Great pass rushes won't be stopped by a tight end chipping. Your blocking needs to come from your 5 linemen.

 

I think they'll do the same thing they were doing in teh 2nd half of the season though, where they had Olsen and Manumaleuna blocking most of the time, rather than run routes. I think the argument is that if you're gonna do that, that Spaetz is probably the better guy for that than Olsen.

[jersey cubs fan]

However any Bears fans may feel about that game, from a national perspective most people don't think the Bears belonged on the field and believe they barely showed up until the prevent defense let them back in a little. Most people think the Bears were lucky to win the division and lucky to face Seattle at home in their only win. I don't necessarily agree with the overall sentiment, but I do believe there is something to be said about all the breaks the Bears did get last year and probably won't get this year. I think it's going to be very difficult to repeat an 11 win season and 10 wins remains very much in doubt. If they go back to 9-7, or even 10 wins and miss the playoffs, that's a step back and we are probably looking going into next offseason needing a huge influx of talent on defense, while still having an unsettled offense.

 

My feeling is the Bears needed to utilize this offseason to make great strides on offense so that the pending decline of the defense is more manageable. And barring that, then they needed to add another potential fresh body to help with the coming need for defensive upgrades.

[Guest]

The Bears made the right move in going out and getting a QB who has the potential to be a great QB. However, you can't just throw him out there and expect him to be great unless you give him the protection and the weapons he needs to utilize his strengths.

 

At least the production and/or the weapons. I'd be willing to accept one or the other. But neither shouldn't be an option, and right now we have neither. The notion that they are going to utilize blocking tight ends with reqularity just means even fewer receivers in the pattern. Makes it even easier on the defense. Great pass rushes won't be stopped by a tight end chipping. Your blocking needs to come from your 5 linemen.

 

Oh, I know exactly what you're saying. Why they don't recognize this is simply amazing. The stars were aligned. They had the available money to spend, the talent was there for the taking and there are openings all over the roster to make room for the additions. I'm not even sure they had to get the best of the best at receiver. Just get a couple of taller receivers that can go up for the ball, especially in the endzone.

[WrigleyField 22]

I really like the Amobe signing, he should fit this defense really well (i wanted him when he came out of college so i am a bit biased). Gholston is a good pickup too, he didnt do anything at NYJ but that's probably related more to the scheme, he can play left or right end. I still want them to get another guard and now make a play for Asante.

 

Im interested to hear how Carimi performs at camp.

 

Gholston is a good pickup, in theory. It makes sense that a disappointing OLB from a 3-4 could do better as a straight up end in a 4-3 scheme. But if that was the case, he would have showed something as a pass rusher with the Jets. And he showed nothing. Marinelli has been given lots of credit as a guy who can get the most out of players. I think that reputation has taken a hit with the Bears but he's going to have to work all his magic to get anything out of Gholston this year..

 

 

I don't think it's all that much of a reach that the correct role/position in the correct system with the right coach could make him a decent guy to have in the rotation. Expecting him to become much more than that is when it gets really unlikely, IMO.

I think he would struggle to get a top 7 DL spot, which is what he needs to do to be "in the rotation". He could make the 53 man and never dress though. Only other way is if he can make a special teams impact.

[jersey cubs fan]

I wonder what the Giants are going to want for Osi and what Osi would sign for as a Bear. He and Peppers could go ballistic as pass rushers the next 3-4 years.

[Banedon]

I wonder what the Giants are going to want for Osi and what Osi would sign for as a Bear. He and Peppers could go ballistic as pass rushers the next 3-4 years.

 

Supposedly the Giants want a 1st rounder. That won't happen, but that's what they want.

[jersey cubs fan]

I wonder what the Giants are going to want for Osi and what Osi would sign for as a Bear. He and Peppers could go ballistic as pass rushers the next 3-4 years.

 

Supposedly the Giants want a 1st rounder. That won't happen, but that's what they want.

 

What do the Bears currently have for 2012? All their picks plus the Carolina 3rd?

[Banedon]

I wonder what the Giants are going to want for Osi and what Osi would sign for as a Bear. He and Peppers could go ballistic as pass rushers the next 3-4 years.

 

Supposedly the Giants want a 1st rounder. That won't happen, but that's what they want.

 

What do the Bears currently have for 2012? All their picks plus the Carolina 3rd?

 

I think so. Can't find an accurate list, but I can't find anything regarding any other Bears picks changing hands.

[UMFan83]

However any Bears fans may feel about that game, from a national perspective most people don't think the Bears belonged on the field and believe they barely showed up until the prevent defense let them back in a little. Most people think the Bears were lucky to win the division and lucky to face Seattle at home in their only win. I don't necessarily agree with the overall sentiment, but I do believe there is something to be said about all the breaks the Bears did get last year and probably won't get this year. I think it's going to be very difficult to repeat an 11 win season and 10 wins remains very much in doubt. If they go back to 9-7, or even 10 wins and miss the playoffs, that's a step back and we are probably looking going into next offseason needing a huge influx of talent on defense, while still having an unsettled offense.

 

My feeling is the Bears needed to utilize this offseason to make great strides on offense so that the pending decline of the defense is more manageable. And barring that, then they needed to add another potential fresh body to help with the coming need for defensive upgrades.

 

Regarding the game, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I don't think we got embarrassed necessarily, but there's no doubt who controlled a majority of the game. The start of the game when both teams are fired up, you have the prideful Bears D going up against the awesome Packers offense with the crowd going nuts and the Packers basically cruise down the field with almost no resistance for TDs on the first 2 possessions. That was a slap in the face the players, and the fans, never really recovered from.

 

I have no idea what if anything the Packers did schematically after that point but the Packers offense didn't score after that 2nd possession. Granted they had multiple sustained drives that led to a red zone INT and a couple inexplicable punts, the 2nd of which caused to turn to the Packer fan behind me and say, "I now understand why u guys hate McCarthy", but the defense did a really good job overall, most importantly when we scores to make it 14-7, the defense came up with 2 consecutive 3 and outs to give the Bears 2 possessions to tie it. Then after the TD to make it 21-14, the Packer really could have run the clock to a point where a tying drive would be nearly impossible but the D got them the ball back. Trust me at that point the Packers fans at Soldier Field were not thinking about how much they were embarrassing us.

 

Anyway, it's really hard to argue that the 2010 Bears were as good as their accomplishments. No doubt about it, the Bears caught a [expletive] of Breaks. Statistically the 3rd worst offense in the NFL with the piss poor OL and the tiny group of unproven receivers somehow made the NFC title game and hosted it. But at the end of the day they were a team that won a couple of close games they probably didn't deserve to win early and somehow were able to improve to the point where people legit took them serious.

[jersey cubs fan]

And my concern is that at this stage the Bears seem to think they can stand pat instead of taking advantage of the 2010 breaks to make a bit of a run in 2011. It's a lot like the 2007 offseason which was more about who they got rid of rather than who they acquired.